A Review of Literature on Effects of Regular Exercise on Physical and Cognitive Functions Among Demented Elders
The purpose of this study was to examine effects of regular exercise on dementia prevention and improvement through each literature to pro...
A Review of Literature on Effects of Regular Exercise on Physical and Cognitive Functions Among Demented Elders
The purpose of this study was to examine effects of regular exercise on dementia prevention and improvement through each literature to provide information about importance of exercise and its effectiveness to demented patients and offer basic data to develop an exercise program ; in this respect, domestic and foreign literature was reviewed, drawing the following conclusions.
First, regular exercise reportedly has positive effects on physical functions among demented elders, improving all of such fundamental physical capacities as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, balance, and agility, decreasing the occurrence of geriatric diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipemia, and obesity, and apoplexy, and thus preventing dementia in its early stages and delaying it. Its importance is being emphasized because it not only prevents mental and physical functions from lowering and enables an independent life but also provides patients with a sense of confidence and achievement.
In addition, regular exercise also has positive effects on cognitive functions of demented elders ; effectiveness of regular exercise in improving performance of cognitive tasks and preventing cognitive functions from lowering is proven through various researches.
In conclusion, regular exercise was found to improve physical and cognitive functions among demented elders ; on this ground, more various researches are necessary in the future, considering that the use of an exercise program as treatment for demented patients in clinical environment will help improve the quality of their living.